Nutritional Requirements - Parrot vitamin

Proteins are vitally essential in the diet of all creatures because they are the flesh-forming components of foods and the only means of repairing wear and tear. They also provide energy and warmth. All the soft parts of a bird's body contain protein. Without it a chick cannot develop and neither can a bird moult successfully or lay eggs. Parrots differ widely in their protein needs; ground-feeders appear to need less high quality protein.

General health will be affected if the diet is deficient in protein -- and this is not uncommon in captive birds which eat only seed. It has been estimated that chicks and breeding hens need at least 18 per cent protein in their diet.

Major sources of carbohydrates are sugars, starches and fibres. They are used for heat and energy, although some energy may be obtained from protein.

Fats and oils are a more efficient source of energy than carbohydrates: half the quantity of fats and oils give the same amount of heat and energy as carbohydrates. Some are also sources of Vitamins A and D which are im­portant for birds which do not have access to sunlight, without which they cannot manufacture those vitamins.

Vitamin A is used to keep in good condition the membranes lining the moist surfaces of a bird's body, such as the eyes and mouth. It is synthesised from the colouring agents, the caro­tenes, in plant material. Many seeds, including sunflower and millet, are deficient in carotene. Some parrots, especially Eclectus and some of the South American species, have a great need for Vitamin A. In Eclectus and lorikeets a deficiency results in moniliasis or candidiasis which mani­fests itself in the form of a swelling in the mouth, often just under the lower mandible. This is especially common in newly imported birds. Any parrot which suddenly ceases to eat hard seed should be examined for a swelling in the area of the lower jaw. A single injection of chloramphenicol suspen­sion directly into or adjacent to the swelling frequently effects a cure. Birds which have suffered from a deficiency must subsequently be given plenty of greenfood or fresh vegetables, especi­ally carrot and corn; fortunately Eclec­tus and most large parrots are fond of these foods.

Vitamins of the B complex are the ones most likely to be deficient in par­rots. One of the most important is Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). It is necessary for the enzyme system that enables the body cells to utilise food energy.

Brewer's yeast is the richest source of riboflavin. A yeast mixture specially prepared for birds can be obtained at any pet shop; its regular use, sprinkled on seed, will prove highly beneficial. Riboflavin is found in much smaller quantities in meat, cheese, eggs, green vegetables, milk, whole grain and forti­fied cereals. Yeast is also the richest source of thiamin (Vitamin B1) and pyridoxine (Vitamin B6). Many birds obtain vitamins of the B complex by eating old faeces.

There are numerous parrot vitamin and vitamin/mineral preparations which can be added to a bird's diet. They can be obtained in liquid or powder form, and thus there is no excuse for birds dying or even ailing due to a deficiency of a vital vitamin. Cod liver oil is wide­ly used by Budgerigar fanciers and has been blamed for the high incidence of French moult in many aviaries. It is mixed with the seed and the oil goes rancid in quite a short time, which results in the Vitamin A and D being destroyed. It is therefore desirable to feed these vitamins in another way - preferably on food which will be con­sumed the same day. Some liquid vitamin additives are unpleasantly flavoured so it is advisable to give them in nectar or to use a fruit­flavoured additive, which most birds will drink.